Key Takeaways:
- Demand for EV charging is up in Florida, and businesses can stand out by offering reliable EV chargers.
- Creating a flexible system will help your business adapt as EV charging demand continues to grow.
- Working with an electrician ensures your EV charging service is affordable and your business is ready for the future.
If you’re a business owner in Central Florida, you’ve probably noticed more electric vehicles on the road and more chargers in parking lots. Nowadays, people expect charging options at places like shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, and office buildings. You, like many other local businesses, may be considering how this all fits into your long-term plans.
Turning EV charging for businesses in Central Florida into a successful source of revenue requires careful planning. Your system should grow with your business needs. Whether you own a retail center, office, or other business property, planning for future charging needs now can help you avoid costly upgrades later.
EV Adoption in Central Florida Is Rising Faster Than Expected
Florida is one of the top markets for EVs, with electric vehicles accounting for around 10% of new vehicle registrations in the state. As more people embrace these new vehicles, expectations are changing. Customers want places to charge while shopping or eating. Hotel guests seek accommodation offering overnight charging. Many employers are also finding that workplace charging is a great perk for employees.
For local business owners, this means that charging needs may look very different in another few short years. But planning now helps you meet demand without facing steep costs later on.
Planning for Future EV Charging for Businesses in Central Florida
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is underestimating the need for chargers. A few years back, many facility owners assumed that one or two spots would be enough for years to come, but demand has grown much faster.
This doesn’t mean you have to redo your entire parking lot and install 20 chargers right off the bat. Instead, design a layout that makes future additions more affordable. This will also make it easier to expand EV charging for businesses in Central Florida.
Planning for Long-Term Commercial Energy Costs
There is more to EV charging planning than figuring out how many chargers your business needs. You also have to consider:
- Your current electric infrastructure: With each Level 2 chargers drawing between 16 and 80 amps (depending on the model installed), using multiple chargers at once can quickly overload your electrical panel. Upgrading to a panel with more capacity, installing a subpanel, or looking into alternative sources of power like solar and batteries are important elements of planning your project.
- Charging speed: Level 2 chargers are easier to install, but they charge EVs at a slower speed compared to DC Fast chargers. You should assess your needs for charging and ask yourself if investing in DC Fast chargers and the associated infrastructure is justifiable.
- The cost of charging: Now is a good time to review the plans your local electric utility is offering. Things like demand charges can add up quickly when you have several EV chargers running at once. You can also start thinking about revenues and how you will monetize EV charging if applicable.
- Utility-side upgrade: Reach out to your utility early in your planning process. Commercial EV charging is a major change to your power consumption habits, and your utility may have to do some upgrades on their side. You may also have to coordinate a service line upgrade with them.
Why Waiting Can Cost More Later
Adding EV chargers to your commercial property without considering electric upgrades will lead to expensive retrofits later on. It’s fine to deploy EV charging gradually, for instance with a pilot program, but you need to plan ahead.
Designing an updated energy infrastructure with capacity for extra chargers makes expanding much easier. You can add chargers as needed without facing prohibitive costs, and can also embrace other electrification trends like electric appliances or machinery.
Plan Your Commercial EV Charging Project with EV Plugz
As a licensed and insured commercial electrician serving Central Florida, EV Plugz can design and install EV charging systems that support long-term growth. From the initial load analysis to ongoing long-term support, we’re with you every step of the way as you plan and implement your EV charging project.
If you’re ready to begin planning your commercial EV charging project, contact EV Plugz to discuss a strategy that will fit your property both today and tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Central Florida businesses benefit from commercial EV charging?
Many types of businesses benefit from offering EV charging stations. Some of the most common include: hotels, apartment complexes, office buildings, retail centers, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and municipal properties.
What factors affect commercial EV charging costs?
Project costs depend on many factors. Power, trenching, utilities, permitting, site conditions, and the number and type of chargers being installed can all play a role.
Can businesses install additional chargers later?
Yes. Many businesses are preparing for future growth by installing conduit and reserving power now. This makes it easier and more affordable to add chargers as demand grows.
How can an electrician help with EV infrastructure planning?
A commercial electrician can assess your property’s electrical system and recommend the best solutions. They also understand permitting and utility requirements and can design plans that support affordable future growth.
